Braces in Tribeca, NYC
I’m Dr. Nina Izhaky. People ask me if braces are still worth it when clear aligners exist. My honest answer: for complex alignment, braces remain the gold standard. Traditional metal and ceramic braces apply continuous, gentle pressure that handles crooked teeth, crowded arches, overbites, underbites, and rotations aligners simply can’t control — for children, teens, and adults, all under one roof at 54 Warren Street.
What are braces, exactly?
Traditional braces apply continuous, gentle pressure to guide teeth into ideal physiological alignment over time. Every component works in precise harmony — brackets bonded to each tooth, archwires generating steady calibrated force, and elastics fine-tuning the bite. Because the appliance is fixed, it works around the clock — which is exactly why braces handle complex cases that removable options can’t.
Metal braces.
The strongest, most reliable option — high-grade, medical-grade metal brackets engineered for durability and comfort. The go-to choice for complex corrections.
Clear ceramic braces.
Work exactly like metal braces, but with translucent, tooth-colored brackets that blend with your natural enamel — discreet for adults and image-conscious teens.
Kids & teen braces.
From age 6–9 phase-one guidance that steers early jaw development, to the classic teenage journey correcting crooked permanent teeth, crowded arches, overbites, and underbites.
Adult braces.
Increasingly popular for adults correcting past relapse, narrow palates, TMJ strain, or trauma. Modern, sleek designs mean discreet, comfortable progress — it’s never too late.
The braces process, step by step
Evaluation first, as always. We tell you honestly whether braces are the right call — or whether another option fits better.
Consultation & evaluation.
We examine your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment and take the records needed to map your case. You leave with a clear diagnosis and an honest treatment recommendation.
Treatment plan.
Your orthodontist designs the full treatment strategy — metal or ceramic brackets, any early phase-one guidance, and how your bite should look at the end.
Placement day.
Brackets are bonded carefully to the front surface of each tooth, archwires are connected, and elastics are placed where needed. The appointment takes about an hour or two.
Progress visits, then retention.
You come back for regular adjustments as your teeth move into place. When alignment is complete, retainers hold everything — because teeth remember where they came from.
Braces vs. clear aligners
Clear aligners are removable, nearly invisible, and great for mild-to-moderate cases. But braces are fixed — they apply continuous, calibrated force 24/7, which is why they stay the gold standard for complex orthodontic alignment: severe rotations, impacted teeth, major bite discrepancies. During your evaluation we’ll tell you straight which one fits your case — no upselling, just the right tool for the job.
Why Every Teen Gets an Airway Evaluation
Here is something I believe strongly: every teenager should have an airway evaluation — whether they are about to start orthodontics or already in it. Sometimes snoring and future sleep apnea trace back to how the jaws and palate developed: a narrow upper jaw, a retruded lower jaw crowding the airway. Catching that in the teen years lays out their options for preventing sleep apnea as an adult. I see teens first, and when the airway needs attention, I refer for an airway evaluation — because straight teeth on a narrow airway is a job half done.
That philosophy is also why I am honest about braces versus aligners. Braces are fixed — they apply continuous, calibrated force around the clock, under the doctor’s control the whole time. Your teen just needs to brush and show up. Invisalign can work beautifully, but it demands real discipline: wearing the aligners all the time except for eating and brushing, putting them on and off. For a busy teenager, that difference in compliance can decide the outcome.
And braces remain the gold standard for complex alignment — severe rotations, crowded arches, major bite discrepancies that removable options cannot control. But gold standard does not mean right for everyone. Your evaluation tells you straight whether braces are the right call, or whether another option fits better. No upselling — just the right tool for the job, and teeth that fit an airway built to last. At your evaluation, we will tell you straight which one fits your case — braces, aligners, or neither.
Invisalign doesn't work as well as braces — it works better. But there is a caveat: it depends on patient compliance. Braces are under the doctor's control the whole time; the patient just needs to brush and show up to appointments. Invisalign requires discipline — putting it on and off, wearing it all the time except for eating and brushing. It takes patient compliance, but it definitely works wonders.
Dr. Nina Izhaky says:
Tribeca Dental Studio
Braces questions, answered
01What are braces made of?
Brackets are crafted from biocompatible, medical-grade materials — stainless steel for metal braces, translucent ceramic for the discreet option. Archwires connect the brackets and generate the steady, calibrated force that moves teeth.
02Am I too old for braces?
No. Braces work at any age — adults are an increasing share of orthodontic patients, treating past relapse, narrow palates, TMJ strain, or trauma. Modern designs are sleek and discreet.
03Should I choose metal or ceramic braces?
Both work identically — ceramic brackets are translucent and tooth-colored, blending with your enamel. Metal is the strongest and most durable. At your evaluation we’ll recommend based on your case, lifestyle, and preference.
04Do braces work for kids?
Yes. Phase-one guidance starting around ages 6–9 steers early jaw development and can simplify treatment later; teens get the classic comprehensive correction. Our pediatric and orthodontic teams work side by side.
05Do you accept insurance for braces?
We work with PPO insurance providers to maximize your orthodontic benefits, and financing is available. We’ll review your coverage and exact costs before anything is scheduled.
06Where can I get braces in Tribeca, NYC?
Right here — Tribeca Dental Studio, 54 Warren Street, New York, NY 10007. No external referrals needed; your orthodontic care happens under one roof.
07My teen is already in orthodontic treatment. Can you still do an airway evaluation?
Yes — every teenager should have this evaluation, whether they are about to start orthodontics or already in it. It lays out their options for preventing sleep apnea as an adult, and it can change the plan for the better.
08Are braces or Invisalign better for my teenager?
It depends on the case and the teen. Braces are fixed — they work 24/7 under the doctor’s control, and your teen just needs to brush and show up. Invisalign works better for the right patient, but it takes real discipline: wearing the aligners all the time except for eating and brushing. At the evaluation we will tell you straight which one fits.
09What happens if my teen does not wear their retainer?
Teeth remember where they came from. When alignment is complete, retainers hold everything in place — skipping them lets teeth drift back toward their old positions and undoes the work. We will make the retention plan simple enough to actually follow.
Find us in Tribeca
Tribeca Dental Studio is at 54 Warren Street, New York, NY 10007 — in the heart of Tribeca.
Find out if braces are right for you
Call (212) 561-5303 for an orthodontic evaluation. We’ll give you a straight answer — braces, aligners, or neither.
